Despite the state’s long and tumultuous history of strict cannabis possession laws, medical marijuana is now legal in Alabama.
On May 17, 2021, Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 46 into law, establishing a medical cannabis program in the Yellowhammer State. SB 46 – otherwise known as the Compassion Act – has made Alabama the 37th state to approve the use of medical cannabis.
The Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act establishes the Alabama Medical Cannabis Registry. This registry keeps track of doctor certifications, patient registration, and medical card information. It also sets dosage guidelines and tracks patient purchases.
Caregivers are allowed in the state of Alabama, with patients’ loved ones allowed to pick up their prescriptions on their behalf. Caregivers must be 21 or older and the parent, legal guardian, or caregiver of a registered minor. Patients under the age of 19 must have their caregiver pick up their prescriptions. Cultivation is illegal in Alabama for both medical and recreational purposes. If found growing cannabis, criminal charges and fines are possible.
At this time, the state is not presently issuing any type of business license to cultivate cannabis.
Still in its infancy, Alabama’s medical cannabis program will take time to grow. Fortunately, thousands of citizens will soon have safe and legal access to medical cannabis, which conclusively eases certain conditions in Alabama.
